A Begonia For Miss Applebaum by Paul Zindel – Book Review

Just as in the Pigman series, Zindel takes on the personae of two alternating characters, Zelda Einnob and Henry Maximilian Ledniz.  They react to the absence of their favorite teacher with the concern that would not be considered unusual, but the experience they share with Miss Applebaum opens their eyes to learn more about themselves as individuals and as a couple.  Both situations require insight into personal needs and expectations, but through the eyes of Miss Applebaum, they learn to look at life from different perspectives and enjoy their lives in the presence of a most dynamic woman whose energy and interpersonal relationships, especially with the poor and less fortunate than she, affected all with whom she came in contact. 

Bernice, Miss Applebaum’s niece, represents all that may be misinterpreted in society, a woman whose motives may be questioned until her rationale is understood.  Miss Applebaum stands for all that education strives to attain — a cinemascopic view of the universe as it applies to each individual in his own special way.  Just as Bernice opened herself up to misinterpretation, so also did miss Perez, the hard-boiled nurse whose attitude smacked of antagonism and icy veins.  A second look warranted a second opinion about the Jekyll and Hyde in all of us created for esoteric purposes.  The unbelievably shocking ending may open our eyes and hearts to a new view of ourselves and our dearly beloved ones.

Evaluation: The two-voice point of view still works though the names were changed from those in The Pigman.  The former John and Lorraine could just have easily been the present Henry and Zelda.  Thus, the universality of the stories is maintained.  The plot is clearly defined and easy to follow and the climax not fully expected as much as it is hoped for.  The story line is replete with perspicacious insight and lessons that encourage introversion, or self-inspection.

Recommendation: This book is written for RL 6 and ages 12 and up.  It would be a wonderful story to have read by older adults to show them that there is life even in the face of imminent death.

Teaching: Paul Zindel has Miss Applebaum give her former students a test within the story, one that any students could have fun answering or modifying the existing test or creating new ones based on their own research of new and interesting facts about anything.